The party isn’t over for quarantined DJs

May 27, 2020

In this episode:

  • Celebrity DJs are moving off of Instagram after the platform started cracking down on live sets.
  • Insiders wonder if the timing of a Netflix exec’s departure has anything to do with a recently published profile of him.
  • And Babyface once gave Aretha Franklin advice about love.

      


Here’s a closer look at some of today’s stories:

DJs of Quarantine

Quarantined DJs are taking their talents to the Amazon service Twitch after Instagram has cracked down on live sets.

Instagram, which has been policing and cutting short the DJ sets, permits users to play short music clips but prohibits full songs, as that violates its terms with music publishers and labels.

Questlove responded to the move with a post on Instagram: “These are unprecedented times. The entire world is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. DJs are heroes. They are providing essential services and calm . . . I’m begging y’all to lift these music restrictions for now.” He encouraged followers to find him on “YouTube & FB & Twitch,” where he’s also been streaming, if he’s tossed from Instagram.

Swizz Beatz warned during one of his popular “Verzuz” battle shows, “No longer than 90 secs please.”

An Instagram insider said: “Our goal is definitely not to cut off anyone . . . We’ve been inspired by how it’s brought people to the platform and we’re hoping people stay to continue to use the platform and respect the terms of our agreement with the rights holders.”

Netflix

Fran Tirado at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival
Fran TiradoGetty

Netflix has let go of its “brand and editorial strategy lead for LGBTQ content” after 10 months, raising eyebrows at the timing of the move.

Fran Tirado announced he was leaving a week after The New York Times profiled him in “The Pandemic Work Diary of Netflix’s Queer Champion.” The piece broke down his workweek, from meetings about a Ryan Murphy project to daily meals and music likes.

He also was candid about thoughts on rivals — “I’m a little confused by ‘Mrs. America’ on FX,” and “I switch to HBO’s ‘Run’ because the first episode is free on YouTube” — and some goings-on at Netflix — “Our chief executive is doing an early morning Q&A, but I skip it to write.”

But some are wondering whether Netflix knew about the NYT interview beforehand — and if Tirado was axed because of it.

“This marks my last week at Netflix,” he posted. “While I’m SO grateful for my time there and what I’ve accomplished, I am (like many of my media colleagues) also looking for what’s next.”

A rep for Netflix only confirmed Tirado is no longer there.

Tirado told us, “I am unable to comment outside of what I’ve shared on social.”

Babyface gives love advice

Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Aretha Franklin
Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Aretha FranklinWireImage

Hit-maker Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds was once asked for relationship advice from the one and only Aretha Franklin.

“Five years ago I performed with Aretha . . . I sat in her [dressing] room and she told everyone to leave . . . then she said, ‘You be writing all these love songs and I want your advice,’ ” Edmonds recalled. “She said, ‘I’m seeing this gentleman and I’m gonna tell you some of the things he’s been doing. And I’m trying to decide if I want to date him or not’ . . . I said, ‘I wouldn’t trust this gentleman.’ About a month later I got a call and she said, ‘You were right, Face. He wasn’t the one.’ ”

Edmonds told the story during an Instagram Live celebration for the 25th anniversary of the “Waiting To Exhale” soundtrack.

Catch up on all episodes of “We Hear” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes come out every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

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